The history of the brand symbolised by the Prancing Horse (Cavallino Rampante in Italian) started in 1947 with the first 125 S Ferrari produced at the factory in Maranello.
Legend has it that the Cavallino Rampante was the personal emblem of Francesco Baracca, a war pilot whose parents let Enzo Ferrari use the symbol for his brand. The symbol was placed on a yellow shield that represents the city of Modena and is topped by the Italian tricolour. The Ferrari shield has been a symbol of passion and performance ever since and has never failed to excite its fans and owners.
The 2010 California - which I had a chance to test drive - is a GT car with a mid-front mounted V8 engine which is a ‘first' for Ferrari. In fact, there are a lot of aspects about the California which have been introduced for the first time by Ferrari.
The California was introduced in this region towards the end of 2008 but deliveries started by the end of the first quarter of 2009.
Design
The 2010 California is based on the1957 ‘250 California'. It embodies the 2+2 (seat) concept and features a first time metal retractable hard top that makes it convert from a coupé toa spider in 14 seconds. The folded roof takes up relatively very little boot space. It is one of the most versatile Ferraris ever made.
It's aimed at the ‘everyday supercar' segment and its sensible functionality, achieved without deviating fromthe Ferrari DNA, is what makes itsuch an attractive buy and its positioning flanks its older sibling, the 612 Scaglietti which is Ferrari's flagship V12 Grand Tourer (and also my personal favourite).
The styling, although very Ferrari in its appeal, is quite toned downto factor in the everyday use. The front grille has a close resemblance to its cousin the Maserati. The rear design has been done particularly well and radiates an overwhelming sense of power and flawless design.
The interiors are simply irresistible. The steering wheel design andthe dashboard layout carry the essence of fine Italian design andthe materials used are simply top notch in terms of feel.
The California's body with theroof closed has a considerably low drag coefficient which enhancesits aerodynamics and improvesfuel efficiency.
Engine
The California's engine was developed with the aim of providing a perfect balance between engine response and power at all engine rpms.
The engine is a direct injection 4,300cc V8 and produces a maximum of 460 horsepower @ 7,750rpm and 485Nm of torque @ 5,000rpm, of which 75 per cent is available at just 2,250 rpm. With a specific powerof 107bhp/litre, the California can reach a top speed of 310 km/h andcan do a 0-100km/h sprint in less than four seconds.
Gearbox
The California features a ‘dual clutch' transmission with F1-style steering wheel-mounted forward gear controls. The gear shifts during the test drive were instantaneous and the sound the engine produced with every shift was like Ferrari's own symphony orchestra playing under the hood.
Having a dual clutch transmission is like having two gearboxes. Thereis no interruption of torque between the instantaneous shifts and this not only improves performance, butalso translates into a really wonderful driving experience.
Chasis
The 2010 California boasts a full-aluminium body and chassis. While open-top cars are usually prone to rigidity issues during the design, the California's torsional rigidity hasbeen improved.
Also, it is the first Ferrari to utilise a modular type chassis construction that also reduces repair times.
The drive in the 2010 California was truly exhilarating. The connection between the engine, the transmission and the tyres seemed seamless with an almost complete delivery of the Prancing Horse's power to the wheels. The rear-wheel drive system - which I am particularly fond of - combined with the well-balanced suspension, makes the handling of the car a benchmark in its segment. The double wishbone front suspension and the first-time multi-link rear suspension - specifically designed for the California - makes it one of the most comfortable Ferraris to drive and strengthens its position as an everyday supercar.
The F1-Trac stability control system, which was developed with Ferrari's experience in F1 racing, has been further optimised for integration into the California and it allows the responsible driver to get the maximum performance from the car in terms of stability and cornering.
Another interesting feature, also called the ‘Manettino', which is now standard on the entire Ferrari range, integrates the gearbox, stability and traction control systems and the optional SCM suspension systems. The Manettino is positioned on the steering wheel and offers Comfort, Sport and CST cancel ride conditions.
The Comfort mode is recommended as the default setting and offers maximum safety in all driving conditions, especially on wet and slippery surfaces. The Sport mode is ideal in good grip situations and enables high performance sporty driving. The CST cancel mode shuts off all electronic intervention, letting the driver experience all the power available with only the ABS being active. This mode is perfect for a day out at the track.
The Brembo CCM (carbon ceramic material) brakes on the California do an excellent job of bringing the horse to a halt or slowing it down. Besides lasting a lot longer than conventional braking systems, the CCM also reduces the weight of the car by around 15kg.
Verdict
On the whole, I love the way the California drives. Being a big Ferrari fan, my senses were immune to noticing flaws in the car (if there were any) because the driving experience in the California was overwhelming, as can be expected from any Ferrari.
I like it with the roof down and I think it looks a lot better like that. The California starts at a price of Dh800,000 and, as mentioned earlier, carries with it a lot of first-time features on a Ferrari.
It is a true everyday supercar in every sense and has been a hit in the region in terms of sales.
With the California, Ferrari has managed to package the Prancing Horse with the right kind of features and power to make ownership of one a little more affordable than - but just as exciting as - every other thoroughbred from its stables.
- Philip Shane is a Dubai-based motoring enthusiast and a member of The Guild of Motoring Writers, UK
